Prokom signs up CSKA executive Vakulenko
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One of the architects of Euroleague champion CSKA Moscow's record-breaking success this decade, Vera Vakulenko, was recently named the new sports director at another Euroleague club, Prokom Trefl Sopot of Poland. "We are very proud of the fact that someone who has had such impact and so much recognition in our sport will join us," new Prokom club president Przemyslaw Seczkowski said. "She will build a development strategy for the team and improve the role of Prokom Trefl Sopot in Europe." Vakulenko joined CSKA in 2003, just before the club began its ongoing record-breaking run of seven consecutive Final Fours. Those great seasons culminated in two Euroleague titles over the last three seasons, thanks to victory at the 2006 Final Four in Prague and the 2008 Final Four in Madrid. Over five seasons, Vakulenko rose to the position of vice-president at CSKA. Previously, Vakulenko had started in basketball working with current CSKA president Sergey Kushchenko at another Russian club, Ural Great. Together, they helped Ural Great become the national champion in 2001 and 2002, the only seasons in the last 17 in which CSKA has not won the Russian League title. Vakulenko's move to Prokom is believed to be the first time that a Russian basketball executive has been hired outside the country and the first time a woman basketball executive has crossed borders in Europe. "Over the years Vera Vakulenko gained significant credibility in the basketball world," Kushchenko said of her departure. "Her experience and skills were in demand and benefited our team. The decision to move to a European club indicates Vakulenko's great potential."
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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Euroleague.net
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